A Foreigner’s Guide to Christmas and Hanukkah in the Czech Republic

The holiday season is often joyful and filled with traditions. However, experiencing this time in a new country can feel different and sometimes challenging.

As an American studying abroad in the Czech Republic, I look forward to the holiday season, though being in a new place makes me a bit nervous. Making the holidays feel familiar while embracing new traditions can really enrich your experience. No matter how you celebrate—Hanukkah, Christmas, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere—there’s something here for everyone.

Here are suggestions and resources for making the most of the holiday season in the Czech Republic!

Christmas markets take place all throughout the Czech Republic in the weeks leading up to Christmas. They are normally open every day of December until December 23. This includes areas like Prague, Brno, Český Krumlov, Plzeň, and České Budějovice.

These are a wonderful place to buy Christmas gifts, decorations, and traditional Czech food and drink! There is also entertainment like Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, and live music. It is smart to bring cash, as not all these vendors accept credit cards.

Christmas markets in Europe are always so magical. They are particularly special in the Czech Republic because of great local vendors and a quite authentic experience full of locals and visitors alike. A must-see this holiday season!

St Nicholas’ Day is an important part of the Advent season, as St Nicholas was known for his secret acts of charity and is one of the inspirations for the modern Santa Claus figure. This day is celebrated on December 6th. It is celebrated in some parts of North America, but it is more popular throughout Europe and has public events to accompany it.

In the Czech Republic, St Nicholas’ Day has three figures: The devil, the angel, and St Nicholas, of course. These three, in costumes, walk through the streets of Czech towns asking children if they have been good or bad. “Good” children who typically must recite a song or poem receive candy. “Bad” children may be threatened by the devil and receive a sack of coal or potatoes. It is a unique tradition that is all part of the fun of immersing yourself in Czech culture!

Most Christmas celebrations in the United States take place on Christmas Day. In Europe, however, the majority of the celebrations happen on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is a public holiday, but most people spend Christmas Day relaxing with family, and there are not as many events as the night before. Christmas Eve is accompanied by a traditional dinner of fried carp and potato salad, which is followed by gifts. A bell rings to signify that baby Jesus has delivered gifts, and family and friends then rush to open everything under the tree. Many attend a Midnight mass church service to end their Christmas Eve. In many traditional households, Christmas Eve is when real candles on a Christmas tree are lit. There is also a traditional Advent wreath that has four candles, each lit on one of the four Sundays of Advent.

Chabad is a global Jewish movement with institutions all over the world. The Chabad House in Prague is the main center for Jewish people in the Czech Republic.

Through their Maharal Center, there are community events associated with Hanukkah. There are also resources on their website for Jewish people residing near/in the Prague area if you have questions about anything.

Every year since 2006, there has been a public menorah lighting in Prague during Hanukkah. This takes place in Jan Palach Square, organized by Chabad Prague. For more information, you can check their website above.

There are Jewish communities in most major areas of the Czech Republic that have thorough information on events, resources, and places to go. Through these websites, you can speak to Jewish contacts in your area (in English!) and find out about Hanukkah community events so that you can celebrate with others!

It is possible to order kosher foods for local delivery. Kosher Where, a delivery service website, delivers kosher food to over two thousand cities in the Czech Republic. This is an excellent choice if you do not want to go out of your way to find kosher food during a busy holiday season.

In the Czech Republic, there is something to do for people of all ages from all places. Getting involved in these holiday traditions can be a sweet reminder of home culture and an immersion into a totally new culture at the same time. Finding ways to transition to a new country can be hard! Thankfully, Foreigners.cz is a great resource to make the most of a new place and have especially merry holidays this year. For more information and support with any aspect of relocating to the Czech Republic, check out our Blog or Contact Us.